A Sinn Fein spokesperson today described as mischievous and inaccurate, the
story which appeared in a Sunday newspaper in relation to Kerry North TD
Martin Ferris. Dismissing the story the spokesperson said:

``Deputy Martin Ferris was unemployed for many years and has severe asthma.
He holds a medical card until the end of this year on the basis of
eligibility and due to his medical condition. He was in contact with the
Health Board as recently as last week in relation to the matter and was
assured that this remains the case and under no circumstances would he have
abused the situation

``Furthermore Deputy Ferris takes home the average industrial wage. A large
proportion of his Dáil salary goes towards providing local constituency
services and some also goes back to the party.

``Deputy Ferris and his family are deeply upset and angry at the inference
being made in that Sunday newspaper today. He has now handed the matter
over to his solicitor.''